27534, Goldsboro, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 27534, Goldsboro, North Carolina is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.96 percent of the residents in 27534 has some form of health insurance. 36.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.39 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 27534 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,285 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27534. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,216 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,153 health care providers accessible to residents in 27534, Goldsboro, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Goldsboro, NC (ZIP Code 27534)

This analysis provides an 'Asthma Score' assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 27534, Goldsboro, North Carolina, focusing on factors relevant to asthma management and patient care. The evaluation considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial components in managing a chronic respiratory condition like asthma. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, ultimately informing patients seeking optimal asthma care.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible primary care. In Goldsboro, the physician-to-patient ratio plays a critical role. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, decreased appointment frequency, and potentially, less comprehensive care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility and the possibility of more personalized attention. Assessing this ratio is the first step in evaluating the asthma care environment. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, alongside publicly available information from healthcare directories, can provide a baseline understanding of the physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code.

Beyond sheer numbers, the specific characteristics of primary care practices are significant. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer same-day appointments for urgent asthma exacerbations? Are they equipped with spirometry and other diagnostic tools essential for asthma diagnosis and monitoring? Practices that prioritize patient accessibility and have the necessary diagnostic capabilities receive higher marks in our 'Asthma Score' analysis. This includes evaluating the availability of extended hours, weekend appointments, and the presence of dedicated asthma educators or respiratory therapists within the practice.

Certain practices in Goldsboro may stand out due to their specific focus on respiratory health or their proactive approach to asthma management. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to patient education, providing resources on asthma triggers, medication adherence, and emergency action plans. They may also actively participate in community outreach programs aimed at raising asthma awareness and promoting preventative care. Identifying these standout practices is crucial for patients seeking the best possible asthma care. Publicly available reviews and testimonials, along with physician ratings from reputable sources, can provide insights into patient satisfaction and the quality of care provided.

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly relevant, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers several benefits, including increased accessibility, reduced travel time, and the potential for more frequent monitoring of patients' conditions. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring tools, receive higher scores in our analysis. The ability to remotely assess a patient's condition, adjust medication dosages, and provide timely advice can significantly improve asthma control and reduce the frequency of asthma-related hospitalizations.

Asthma is a complex condition, and its management often requires a holistic approach. The presence and accessibility of mental health resources are therefore critical. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. Primary care practices that collaborate with mental health professionals, either through in-house services or referrals, demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive patient care. This includes the availability of mental health screenings, counseling services, and access to psychiatric medications when needed. Assessing the integration of mental health services is a key component of our 'Asthma Score' analysis.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care within the Goldsboro area should be considered. While PCPs are the primary point of contact for most asthma patients, access to pulmonologists and allergists is essential for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The proximity of these specialists, the ease of referral processes, and the level of collaboration between PCPs and specialists all contribute to the overall quality of asthma care. Identifying the presence and accessibility of these specialists is an important factor in the 'Asthma Score' evaluation.

The overall 'Asthma Score' for the Goldsboro area is a composite measure, reflecting the weighted contribution of all these factors. The specific weighting of each factor will depend on its relative importance in achieving optimal asthma control and patient well-being. For example, physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources are all weighted to determine the final score. The score is then presented as a comparative assessment of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in ZIP code 27534.

In conclusion, the 'Asthma Score' analysis provides a comprehensive evaluation of the asthma care environment in Goldsboro, NC. It considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide valuable insights for patients seeking the best possible asthma care in their community.